Spain has always felt like my soul country.  My first trip to Pamplona for a Rice medical education program gave me a taste of the country’s culture, and after that experience, I knew I wanted to go back. When I found out about the “Rice in Madrid” professional internship program, it felt as though the stars had aligned. This time, I had the chance to live in a new city and gain professional experience in my areas of study: Computer Science, Cognitive Sciences and Spanish. None of this would have been possible without the scholarship and support that I received from Rice’s Modern and Classical Literatures and Cultures Department. The department made it possible for me to live and work in Madrid, and I’ll always be thankful for that!

My experience in Madrid was everything I had hoped for and more. The city’s vibrant energy, where history and modern life blend together seamlessly, was captivating. I commuted by train through Madrid to a neighboring city called Las Rozas, where I worked as a software engineer for an environmental consulting company called I-CATALIST.  During my time with I-CATALIST, I contributed to two drone projects. For the first project, I programmed a drone to collect environmental pollutant data and take photos of various sites. The second project involved designing and writing a textbook for middle and high school age kids about drones, physics, programming and environmental science.  During one of our trial classes, I was able to see the excitement on students’ faces as they flew small drones, and it was at this moment that I saw the real impact of our creation.

At the end of the summer, my bosses were so pleased with my work that they actually hired me as a contracted employee to finish the textbook and create more educational materials. The textbook is now in the process of being published and will be distributed throughout the entire Madrid school system. 

Another unexpected highlight of my experience is the friendships I made through the Rice program. We quickly became a close-knit group, sharing our experiences and supporting one other. Together, we explored the city — walking through the nature-filled El Retiro park or visiting the world renowned Reina Sofia museum. We also took trips to neighboring cities like Toledo and Segovia, marveling at the stunning architecture and rich history.

The program struck the perfect balance between learning and cultural immersion, and it was truly more than just an academic experience — it was a period of growth, discovery and connection. From the professional insights that I gained to the lifelong friendships I’ve made, every step of this journey was meaningful. If you’re considering studying abroad, I can’t recommend it enough. Even if you cannot do it during the year, Rice has options for everyone, like this summer immersion experience!

-Delaney, Jones ‘25 (Published on 3/4/2025)